As the excitement grows for the upcoming total solar eclipse, warnings about fake and counterfeit eclipse glasses are being issued. Looking directly at the sun without proper protection can result in serious vision problems, such as partial or complete blindness. It’s crucial to use internationally certified glasses that can prevent eye damage while viewing the eclipse. The total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the sunlight. However, at the beginning and end, there will be a partial eclipse when the sun is not fully hidden.
Ophthalmologist and cornea specialist Samir Jabbour warns that the damage from looking at the sun during an eclipse can happen quickly, with symptoms appearing within weeks. In Kingston, Queen’s University alerted residents about fake eclipse glasses being sold online, imitating genuine glasses from Solar Eclipse International, Canada. The American Astronomical Society also issued a warning about counterfeit glasses infiltrating the market. Celestial Optical, a U.S.-based company, shared that thousands of fake eclipse glasses were sold on Amazon.ca, missing the necessary metallic layer for safety.
Although Amazon.ca has taken action to remove counterfeit eclipse glasses, some overseas sellers were able to sell thousands of fake products online. Health Canada has not received any reports of fake eclipse glasses being sold in the country. Canadians preparing to witness the total solar eclipse on April 8 should be sure they are using glasses that meet the safety requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Properly certified glasses will block harmful rays, protecting the eyes during the eclipse.
Experts advise against wearing regular sunglasses while viewing the eclipse. Legitimate eclipse glasses should meet the ISO standard, ensuring they are safe for use. It’s essential to acquire glasses from reputable sources, as counterfeits can easily slip through the cracks. Red flags to watch out for include a lack of company information on the glasses and missing metallic coating on the sun-facing side. When testing eclipse glasses, nothing should be visible except very bright lights, and the reflection off the surface should be faint.
During the total solar eclipse, it may be tempting to remove eclipse glasses, but experts caution against this as even a sliver of sunlight can be harmful to the eyes. Optometrists advise wearing glasses and looking down at the ground before and after viewing the eclipse. Children should be supervised during the event, and it’s possible to view the eclipse indirectly through a pinhole projector. Staying safe during the eclipse involves using properly certified eclipse glasses, educating oneself on the potential dangers of direct sun exposure, and being cautious while viewing the event. Overall, preparation and awareness will help ensure a safe and enjoyable eclipse viewing experience.
